A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Savannah or Gatlinburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. Savannah is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Savannah travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Savannah and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Savannah. Although Savannah and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Savannah has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Savannah is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gatlinburg and Savannah. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Savannah is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Savannah is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Savannah is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Is the Food Better in Savannah or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Savannah has a large number of nightlife venues. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Savannah is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Savannah is not a resort destination.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Savannah is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Savannah is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg More Beautiful?

Savannah is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Savannah is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Savannah offers lots of family activities. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Gatlinburg make for a great place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Savannah is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Savannah and Gatlinburg both are great when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Savannah or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

Families should spend more time in Savannah than Gatlinburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Savannah, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Gatlinburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Savannah.

One day in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Savannah, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Savannah and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Savannah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savannah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savannah and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Savannah.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savannah Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Gatlinburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Savannah or Gatlinburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Gatlinburg. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

Savannah is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the summer, Savannah often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Savannah for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Savannah is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Savannah during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Savannah in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Savannah is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Savannah usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Savannah is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Savannah